Widening my Perspective on American History

When I was a child I used to look forward to Black History month because it was a time where I felt important. I felt like through Black history, I learned about the history of people that were like me. It felt so good.

4 months ago the African-American Museum of History and Culture opened and my perspective on Black history totally changed. Going into that massive museum and seeing all the ways that black people shaped this country on every level changed me! I have been there 3 times in the last 4 months, which is quite a feat since you have to get tickets 3 months in advance just to get in the place!

For the first time, I really understood that every single piece of black history is truly American history. That creates such a pride and joy in me. It filled a hole in me that I didn't know existed. I feel fully American. It somehow gives me the esteem and confidence to move around in the world in bigger and bolder ways.

Esteem is a wonderful quality it makes anything possible. It can come from so many different sources: from knowing your past, from embracing your future, or from using your gifts and talents to help others.

Knowing that others who look like me have achieved amazing things gives me hope for my own life. My sweet spot for today is letting the power of my history wash over me and give me the esteem to reach for my dreams.

So this black history month feels even more satisfying than ever before. In a time when people of color are being called all type of negative names I am so proud to be black and I so proud to be an American.

Jesse Williams said, “Just Because We Are Magic Does Not Mean We Are Not Real!” Here is what I know “We are Magic and We are real!”

To Your One Sweet Life,

Dr. Dae

Tweetable: Letting the power of my history wash over me and give me the esteem to reach for my dreams.